WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Delahunt joined with Senators John Kerry and Edward Kennedy as well as Congressmen John Tierney, and Barney Frank to announce that Massachusetts fishermen would receive $13.395 million in federal disaster assistance as part of the Omnibus Appropriations Bill.

Massachusetts fishermen have endured significant catch restrictions and reductions in their allotted days-at-sea since 1996.  However, Framework 42, which was implemented in November 2006, made even greater cuts, which are devastating the groundfishing fleets of Gloucester, New Bedford, and the Cape and Islands.

The bill was passed by the Senate on Tuesday and by the House of Representatives last night. It now goes to the President for his signature.

“Fishermen throughout our region are still facing difficult times and these funds will provide important financial relief as groundfish stocks recover,” said Congressman William Delahunt.     

"This funding is a lifeline for thousands of Massachusetts fishermen hurt by this latest barrage of restrictions. At a time when new regulations are severely limiting their catches, and the cost of fueling their boats is skyrocketing, the least we can do is provide our fishermen with immediate emergency assistance. I thank my colleagues in both the House and the Senate for working with us to including this funding and I strongly urge President Bush to ensure this provision is enacted into law.”

“Massachusetts fishermen have been under extraordinary stress because of the drastically limited days at sea permitted under the regulations of Framework 42. These federal funds are well-deserved and will bring desperately-needed relief and assist our world-renowned industry,” said Senator Kennedy.

“I am pleased to join my colleagues in announcing this assistance for our local fishing industry. The fisherman, their families and related shoreline service providers are in urgent need of financial relief, and the emergency funding will be a lifeline for those who depend on fishing for a living. I pledge to continue to work with my colleagues to address the broader policy issues that impact the industry,” said Congressman John F. Tierney (D-MA).

“It is only fair that fishermen receive some financial compensation from the federal government, because their economic losses were caused by unduly rigid federal policies,” Congressman Frank said.

Earlier this year, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick wrote Secretary of Commerce Gutierrez to request a declaration of economic disaster on behalf of Massachusetts commercial groundfishermen.  Unfortunately, Secretary Gutierrez denied the Commonwealth’s request. 

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